Built at the beginning of the decade by Union Motorcycle Classics, this custom 900SS (named “High Pipe”) was featured on several websites like Pipeburn and Cafe Racer Magazine.
In their own words:
“Check out this Cinderella story: Boy meets bike, Boy likes bike, Boy crashes bike. Keep reading. It gets better. From the ashes of its damaged frame, all parts were removed. A one of a kind fiberglass tail section was crafted to work with a sectioned stock frame that was rebuilt from the rear motor mounts back. The proportions of this bike puts one in mind of the Scuderia Spaggiari Ducati and Tony Rutter’s TT2.”
“Once again, a GFTP piece was created just for this rising phoenix from the ashes: a modified 900SS front fairing to accept the headlights and turn signals. The tank is a collaboration of a 900SS tank and a late 80s 750 Sport. Custom brackets and period race parts complete the package.”
This example is VIN: ZDM1LC4N6PB007332. The seller acquired it seven years ago from Mike Watanabe of Union Motorcycle Classics.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 250 miles. The odometer shows 18,978 miles.
“I saw this bike on eBay, I think I bid up to 14k and lost it! I contacted Union and spoke to Mike asking if he would build another one, he did already and that one was sold as well and he didn’t want to make another. Years later it was for sale again on eBay, so this time I didn’t play around and won the bidding. It ran, but not great, lots of tuning and TLC to make it sing and took it a few times up the 2 back when Newcomb’s Ranch was still open. AMAZING feel. And while not water cooled or huge on power, this machine was able to keep up with the bigger newer bikes sounding and moving amazing. Low seat, so riding position is unmistakable, like a Time Machine and a completely unique experience.”
In the last few years, the owner has also sold the following through Iconic Motorbikes:
1989 Kawasaki ZX-7
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
1997 Ducati 916
Maintenance:
In 2019, the seller had the following work performed:
-Fuel lines, Carb clean, fuel pump, float needle, fuel filter
– Technician performed fuel tank flush and carb clean
– Technician replaced spark plugs
– Technician replaced the leaking oil pressure sending unit
– Technician performed oil and filter service as well as flushing the brake fluid and clutch fluid
– Technician tuned carbs and is blowing 3.8 -4.2
– Technician found intake leak from broken intake boot
– Tech installed new carb boots
– Tech repaired clogged accelerator pump
– Inspected ignition components – test ok
The belts were replaced in 2019 as well.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean and sync the carbs, rebuild the accelerator pump, install a new battery, rebuild the fuel pump, install new fuel lines, replace the fuel sensor/sending unit, and clean the fuel tank. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (DIY Liner)
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Final Drive Condition: Rusty
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Non-Functioning
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Non-Functioning
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Non-Functioning
Plate Light: Non-Functioning
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Bumpstop Broken
Tire Date Code Front: 44/18
Tire Date Code Rear: 10/19
Tire % Remaining Front: 85%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 85%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.2V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.0V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1 Mile
Notes:
-FCR Carbs [41mm Carbs]
-Aftermarket Swingarm
-Fast by Ferraci Exhaust
-Open Clutch Cover
-Fox Shock
-Steering Damper hits mount at full lock in the right hand position
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Air filter clean
-Hydro 3 (Front Brake, Rear Brake, & Clutch Fluid)
-Tires
-Chain Replacement & Sprockets
-Timing Belts (from 2019)
-Electrical Diagnostic for lighting
-Valves (unknown if service was completed)
Modifications:
Aftermarket swingarm.
Fast by Ferraci dual exhaust.
Aftermarket rearsets.
Carbon fiber fenders.
FCR 41mm carbs.
Modified 900SS fairing with aftermarket headlight and flush mount turn signals.
Custom tail section with custom license plate mount.
Fox “dual clicker” shock.
Braided brake lines.
Domino grips, CRG levers.
In addition to the original build by Union, the seller added a magnesium case cover and slipper clutch.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires with date codes of 4418 and 1019.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean Idaho title. Have any 900SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
